The community at Rogue Valley CrossFit, 3001 Samike Dr., Medford, is just that, a community.

And a "very welcoming one, where people come to work hard," says owner Jacob Porras, who was voted favorite personal trainer by readers.

"It's not like other gyms. You're expected to work hard. You build relationships. In a gym, you can stand around and no one notices if you're not working hard."

The CrossFit club incorporates nutritional workshops, where Porras teaches students about quality food — no sugar, nothing processed.

"It's meat, fruit and vegetables," says Porras. We have people who've lost 70 to 80 pounds and one woman was able to get off blood-pressure meds. Some are going out for the CrossFit World Championships, in which 60,000 people are competing. CrossFit is my way of life."

What's the big difference between CrossFit and a regular workout place? "Intensity," says Porras. "We push each other. There's accountability to each other. There's a sense of accomplishment at the end."